Automatically Check for Apple Software Updates. You can manually check for updates with your Mac's built-in Software Update tool. But it's much easier to simply automate the process and have Software Update notify you when it's found updates. Here's how to set the Software Update application to automatically check for updates: From the Apple menu, select System Preferences. Click Software.
Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system (macOS or OS X)? Is it using the version required by some product or feature? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent) than the version currently installed? To find out, learn which version is installed now.
If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.
Which macOS version is installed?
From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You'll see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number. If some product or feature requires you to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.
This example shows macOS Catalina version 10.15 build 19A583.
Which macOS version is the latest?
These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Catalina. And as updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article is updated to show the latest version of that macOS.
If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos.
macOS | Latest version |
---|---|
macOS Catalina | 10.15.1 |
macOS Mojave | 10.14.6 |
macOS High Sierra | 10.13.6 |
macOS Sierra | 10.12.6 |
OS X El Capitan | 10.11.6 |
OS X Yosemite | 10.10.5 |
OS X Mavericks | 10.9.5 |
OS X Mountain Lion | 10.8.5 |
OS X Lion | 10.7.5 |
Mac OS X Snow Leopard | 10.6.8 |
Mac OS X Leopard | 10.5.8 |
Mac OS X Tiger | 10.4.11 |
Mac OS X Panther | 10.3.9 |
Mac OS X Jaguar | 10.2.8 |
Mac OS X Puma | 10.1.5 |
Mac OS X Cheetah | 10.0.4 |
Learn more
- Always use the macOS that came with your Mac, or a compatible newer version.
- Learn how to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery.
How do I update Java for my Mac?
This article applies to:- Platform(s): Mac OS X
Every time you launch a Java applet, a Java Web Start application or the Java Control Panel, the system first launches your program and then, in the background (so that performance of your Java application is not impacted), it determines if it has checked in the last 7 days for a Java update.
Update Java in the Java Control Panel
- Launch the Java Control Panel by clicking the Java icon under System Preferences.
- Go to the Update tab in Java Control Panel and click on Update Now button that brings up Installer window.
- Click on Install Update.
- Click on Install and Relaunch.
Save all your work before clicking Install and Relaunch. - Once the installation is completed the Java application will be relaunched.
- If the Java application does not relaunch, manually relaunch so you can take advantage of the latest Java.
If you choose Remind Me Later, you will be reminded of the update the next time you run Java.
You might also be interested in:
- Why do I see the Java Update Needed message: Java is out of date?
- Mac OS X information for installing and using Java
- How do I install Java for my Mac?
- How do I uninstall Java on my Mac?
- How do I clear Java cache on my Mac?
- Where is the Java Control Panel on Mac?